Thoughts from a First Timer at RWA Nationals

Last week, I attended the national conference at RWS.
I was So happy to attend (And to check it off my bucket list).

I come from a different background - I have the blogger hat, the professional reviewer hat (VOYA), and the former YA Librarian hat (10 years). So I feel like I had a different experience than other newbie RAW attendees.

While I'm not new to writing, I am new to writing organizations/conferences.

New to Me:

• So much support from strangers
• Newbie ribbon
• Everyone wants you to succeed
• Not YA focused* 
• Packed schedule (not much time for coffee breaks)
• Volunteers ran things
• More writers than I anticipated

* I write YA. In library conferences, they have tracks set up by age groups: Kids, YA, Adult. The set-up here was very different. 

Not New:

• Everyone was happy to talk about books/authors

The Workshops:

• SO many wonderful workshops
• I took pages and pages and pages of notes
• Inspiring
• Several favorite authors presenting - learning from the best
• Love sharing knowledge - from workshops to chatting in the halls
• Fascinating and funny presenters
• Lots of tips and tricks to test out
• Knowing more rules (And when to break them)
• Great for the soul - everyone is amazingly nice
• Knowledge that no two paths are the same (what works for one person won't work for someone else)

What was Fantastic:

• Workshops
• Meeting so many authors I admire
• Hearing the struggles and successes of authors

What was Hard for me:

• I grabbed way too many books (mostly good, but carrying them was hard and now I need to find space for them in my house)
• I had a hard time putting myself out there
• Exploring the area
• Having a food adventure

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go write.
 I have so many new tips and tricks to add to my WIPs!

Where I am: Romance Writers of America

So, this week, I'm checking an item off my bucket list. For the first time in 11 years, I'm not running a library summer reading program. Instead, I'm going to RWA. 

It's close by, being in New York and I've always wanted to go. 

I'm terrified and excited all at the same time. I'm hoping to see friends there and of course meet new people if I can break out of my shell. 

Of course, I'm hoping to talk about some of the things I've been working on the past six months. I'll let you know how it goes when I return sometime next week - until then, I'm on a blogging vacation. 

Wish me luck!